Redmond Derby Days Parade

On July 10th, with Emily N. in for a visit, we ventured off to Redmond for their annual Derby Days Parade. We've been to many parades with Bella and she LOVES the sensory overload that they bring...but most of all, she loves the candy that gets tossed out to the onlookers. So, we thought, let's enter in the kids' parade. One of the themes was patriotism - and of course - we had plenty of Americana to adorn her wagon with. As we walked, one of the cameramen zoomed in on her and we found her TV debut and posted it here for your viewing pleasure. Everyone loved her sailor outfit!

In Baby #2 news... we finally felt B2 kick and squirm last night! I think I've been feeling B2 faintly...but Charles felt a few strong kicks finally last night! It was just as amazing as the first time with Bella. B2 definitely wanted to let us know that he's/she's in there! So exciting! Now that I've crossed the threshold into the second trimester I'm finally feeling better...the nausea seems to have subsided and I suppose I have a bit more energy (which isn't saying much)! We have our 16 week appointment on Monday July 19th.

We visited a birthing center yesterday, staffed by wonderful midwives. It was lovely and I fell in love with the idea of giving birth there, in an environment where they allow the mom and baby to experience the birth as it was meant to be. It was everything we'd wanted to experience with Bella. So how come we're not going to go with it? Because, being a pediatric nurse has ruined my ability to "just go with it". Because, in my line of work, I can't ignore that things don't always go well. Because, I read my patients' histories and I can't forget them. So, we're back to the hospital and looking for someone who is going to help us have the birth that we want, but in the safety of the hospital.